Laura Aguirre

I am a dedicated professional with over eight years of experience in child welfare investigations, seeking a position in Supervisory Family Based Safety Services or Child Welfare field. I am passionate about protecting children and have a strong background in policy training, risk management, and cross-functional collaboration. With expertise in child safety, I aim to contribute to ensuring all families are well versed in community resources and assistance to reduce the risk of child abuse and/or neglect.

Senior Lead Unification Specialist
The Providencia Group | January 2024 – Present

• Led a team of 3-6 managers in their oversight of 12 unification specialist who focused on reunification of unaccompanied minors. As a Senior Lead, I ensured cases were in compliance with the Office of Refugee Resettlement as well as child protection policies and legal requirements.
• Developed and managed safety guidelines to ensure children’s well-being, collaborating with legal teams and external stakeholders to address child protection concerns.
• Managed the evaluation and improvement of safety programs, conducting research and utilizing data to inform decision-making and program enhancements.
• Delivered training and guidance on child welfare issues, ensuring that staff and stakeholders adhered to best practices and regulatory standards.

Lead Unification Specialist
The Providencia Group | September 2021 – January 2024

• Conducted comprehensive assessments for the reunification of unaccompanied minors, focusing on their safety and long-term protection.
• Collaborated with legal teams and child welfare agencies to address issues of child exploitation and ensure compliance with child safety regulations.
• Developed and implemented safety protocols for children in care, ensuring alignment with legal standards and evolving safety requirements.

Unification Specialist
The Providencia Group | July 2021 – September 2021

• Supported reunification efforts for unaccompanied minors by conducting detailed family assessments and ensuring compliance with child protection policies.
• Identified potential risks to child safety and worked closely with legal teams to address and mitigate any concerns related to child exploitation.

CPS Investigator Specialist III
Department of Family and Protective Services | July 2014 – April 2018

• Conducted thorough investigations into cases of child abuse and neglect, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and ensuring the protection of children.
• Collaborated with law enforcement and external agencies to investigate and address child safety concerns, including identifying and addressing cases of child exploitation.
• Prepared and presented investigative reports for legal proceedings, advocating for the safety and welfare of children in at-risk environments.

Advocate Supervisor
Court Appointed Special Advocate of El Paso | June 2018 – November 2019

• Supervised a team of advocates providing support to children in foster care, ensuring high-quality advocacy and the safety of children in vulnerable situations.
• Led the preparation of case files for court hearings, advocating for the permanency and safety of children in care.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
University of Texas at El Paso | August 2010 – December 2013

Minor in English: Writing & Rhetoric
University of Texas at El Paso | August 2010 – December 2013